Keith Frank

Keith Frank, an accordionist widely viewed as a central figure in the "nouveau zydeco" movement and the offspring of zydeco great Preston Frank, blended the traditional approach of his father's era with more recent influences that stretched from James Brown to Bob Marley, thereby creating a distinctly urbanized and irresistibly danceable sound of his own. Born in Soileau, Louisiana in 1972, Frank turned professional at age four, joining his father's group the Family Zydeco Band on an assortment of instruments. Although he concentrated on the accordion beginning at age six, he initially disliked both zydeco itself and the demands of live performance, only to embrace the music during high school and start his own band. Once Preston Frank began stepping back from active duty, Keith steadily took over direction of the family ensemble, which also featured his sister Jennifer on bass and his brother Brad on drums. Growing more assured, he incorporated rap elements into his work, a choice that upset traditionalists yet found strong favor among younger audiences. Frank released his first album, What's His Name?, in 1994 and has continued as a steady touring and recording presence throughout the zydeco community.